2BFunctions of local authorities and Secretary of State as to improvement of public health

1

Each local authority must take such steps as it considers appropriate for improving the health of the people in its area.

2

The Secretary of State may take such steps as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for improving the health of the people of England.

3

The steps that may be taken under subsection (1) or (2) include—

a

providing information and advice;

b

providing services or facilities designed to promote healthy living (whether by helping individuals to address behaviour that is detrimental to health or in any other way);

c

providing services or facilities for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of illness;

d

providing financial incentives to encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles;

e

providing assistance (including financial assistance) to help individuals to minimise any risks to health arising from their accommodation or environment;

f

providing or participating in the provision of training for persons working or seeking to work in the field of health improvement;

g

making available the services of any person or any facilities.

4

The steps that may be taken under subsection (1) also include providing grants or loans (on such terms as the local authority considers appropriate).

5

In this section, “local authority” means—

a

a county council in England;

b

a district council in England, other than a council for a district in a county for which there is a county council;

c

a London borough council;

d

the Council of the Isles of Scilly;

e

the Common Council of the City of London.